Sky: ‘Cautious optimism’ Man United can finalise £40m deal imminently, personal terms not a problem

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·27 August 2025

Sky: ‘Cautious optimism’ Man United can finalise £40m deal imminently, personal terms not a problem

Manchester United and Napoli are locked in negotiations to agree a deal that would see Rasmus Hojlund make the move to Italy.

The player himself is likely chomping at the bit for the clubs to reach an agreement, given he has yet to kickstart his 2025/2026 campaign after being left out of Ruben Amorim’s squad for the first two Premier League matches.

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Rasmus Hojlund awaiting United exit after two years

(Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images)

Hojlund, unlike the rest of the outcast contingent at Carrington, will be saddened by his omissions, considering he wanted to continue at United and fight for his place.

However, the arrival of Benjamin Sesko combined with the Dane’s lacklustre performances last term prompted INEOS to push for an exit whilst his value his still relatively high. Another season akin to 2024/2025, in which he scored four Premier League goals in 32 games, would’ve led to Hojlund’s value plummeting.

After Hojlund opened the door to a summer departure, he had initially engaged in talks with AC Milan.

That was until Napoli entered the mix in the aftermath of Romelu Lukaku’s injury setback and the 22-year-old’s head was turned towards a switch to the reigning Scudetto winners. A move to Naples will also allow him to play Champions League football in the coming months whilst reuniting with former teammate Scott McTominay.

Hojlund to Napoli: The state of play

So, what’s taking so long for the teams to shake hands on a deal?

According to Sky Sports, the Reds are pushing for a season-long loan plus a £40 million buy obligation, but one that requires few conditions for Napoli to activate.

The forward himself is also said to have sought assurances that he would be playing a prominent role long-term, as opposed to just being a stop-gap signing for the duration of Lukaku’s layoff.

Still, there is ‘cautious optimism from all parties’ that Hojlund will indeed be a Napoli player by Monday’s deadline.